Capsule for food preparation

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a capsule ( 1 ) for use with a food preparation machine, comprising rigid side walls ( 2 ) with peripheral upper edges ( 3 ), a top wall ( 4 ) extending from said upper edges, and a bottom wall ( 5 ), said walls defining a chamber ( 6 ) that contains an ingredient, said capsule being adapted for receiving a fluid injected through a needle ( 7 ) extending from a needle plate ( 8 ) of the machine, said needle plate being adapted to rest onto the upper edges when said capsule is adapted in a functional position into said machine, said fluid and said ingredient being mixed for the preparation of a food product, characterized in that said capsule comprises sealing means ( 9 ) disposed on said peripheral upper edges so that said means realize a liquid-tight seal between said capsule and said needle plate, at least at the time said capsule is adapted in a functional position into said food preparation machine.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns a capsule for the preparation of a foodsubstance with a food preparation machine. In particular, the inventionrelates to the preparation of hot or cold beverages from capsulescontaining one or more food-grade ingredients.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many systems are available for preparing beverages—as well as soups,liquid or semi-liquid desserts, soft ice-cream, but also infantnutrition food for instance—from capsules. The manner of inserting thecapsule into the machine preferably has to be quite direct, withoutcomplications and permit the easy removal of the capsule after use.

Some food preparation systems comprise means for supporting the capsulewhich are integrated in the machine. Said systems are however generallyill-suited for multi-beverage use due to the frequent contact of thebeverage with the means for supporting the capsule. This poses,therefore, problems of cross contamination and hygiene problems, inparticular, with some ingredients such as milk.

Other systems exist which comprise a capsule holder which is removable,i.e. detachable from the remainder of the machine, in order to resolvethe above mentioned cross-contamination problems. A further advantage isto be able to dispose of the capsule more easily, in particular, whensaid capsule remains full of liquid after removal. The storage in themachine of capsules still containing liquid is avoided. This alsofacilitates the replacement of the capsule and thus enables easierrinsing or cleaning of the capsule holder, for example, in thedishwasher.

In any case, the machine comprises injection means for injecting anextraction and/or dissolution fluid inside the capsule, which fluidinteracts with the capsule contents to allow preparation of a foodproduct, which is then expelled from the capsule through a dispensingopening, for instance into a cup or similar receiving container, readyfor consumption.

The injection means comprise an injection plate which contacts the upperedges of the capsule when said capsule is placed inside the machine in afunctional configuration for preparation of a beverage. The injectionplate comprises at least one needle that protrudes downwardly into thecapsule chamber when said capsule is in a functional position into themachine, to create at least one corresponding jet of fluid inside thecapsule. Alternatively—or sometimes also in combination with the needlesystem—the injection plate can comprise a series of fluid injectionholes pierced through the said plate, which create a series ofspray-like jets inside the capsule, in a “shower” injectionconfiguration. In all cases, the fluid is injected by the machine underpressure into the capsule chamber. Due to the high pressure, it isparticularly crucial to prevent leakage in the region of the interfacebetween the capsule, the injection plate, and capsule holder if one ispresent.

European patent EP 1 967 099 B1 discloses a system wherein the injectionplate is provided with clamping and sealing means for realizing asealing in the vicinity of the injection point, and also a sealing onthe capsule surroundings so that no fluid can leak out in the portionwhere the capsule is held between the capsule holder and the injectionplate.

The sealing efficiency of the sealing system described therein ishowever dependent on the cooperation of two sealing configurations: onesealing is performed locally around the injection point, and this firstlocal sealing is reinforced by a clamping force applied on the capsuleperipheral edges which are literally “pinched” between the capsuleholder and the injection plate.

Recently, machines were developed that can accommodate capsules ofvarious types, and especially capsules that were initially designed tobe used in cooperation with another type of machine. Particulardifferences are noted in the design of the injection means. Thesedifferences, although capsules adaptors can be used to accommodate onetype of capsule in another type of machine, can lead to safety issuesand particularly leakage risks in case the machine injection means donot fit properly the capsule outer shape and size. This risk is ofcourse reinforced if the machine provides a higher pressure for thefluid injection.

There is a need for a capsule that can accommodate various types ofmachines, and fit properly and safely into various types of capsulereceptacles, independent from the fact that the capsule should bepreliminarily placed in a capsule holder or not, and whether the saidcapsule holder is detachable or not from the machine.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a solution to the need mentioned above,with a capsule for use with a food preparation machine, said capsulecomprising rigid side walls with peripheral upper edges, a top wallextending from said upper edges, and a bottom wall, said walls defininga chamber that contains at least one soluble and/or extractableingredient, said capsule being adapted for receiving an extraction fluidinjected through an injection needle extending downwardly from a needleplate of the machine, said needle plate being adapted to rest onto theupper edges when said capsule is adapted in a functional position intosaid food preparation machine, said fluid and said ingredient beingmixed into the chamber for the preparation of a food product,characterized in that said capsule further comprises sealing meansdisposed at least on said peripheral upper edges so that said meansrealize a liquid-tight seal between said capsule and said needle plate,at least at the time said capsule is adapted in a functional positioninto said food preparation machine.

In a highly preferred embodiment of the present invention, said sealingmeans is disposed along the entire periphery of said peripheral upperedges.

In one first possibility, the sealing means protrudes upwardly at leastpartially above the plan containing said peripheral upper edges.

In a second possibility, alternatively or in combination with the firstpossibility mentioned above, the sealing means can comprise arubber-like O-ring seal. Advantageously, said O-ring seal can beintegrally co-injection moulded together with said capsule side wallsand upper edges.

In a third possibility, alternatively or in combination with the firstand second possibilities mentioned above, the sealing means can comprisea channel running along the entire surface of said peripheral upperedges.

In a fourth possibility, alternatively or in combination with the first,second and/or third possibilities mentioned above, the sealing means cancomprise a coating made of a flexible material, said coating beingdisposed as a continuous band along the whole periphery of said edges.

In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, said top wall isa membrane pierceable by the injection needle, which is disposed inalignment with said peripheral upper edges.

However, said top wall can be alternatively disposed, at leastpartially, along a lower plan compared to the plan containing theperipheral upper edges of the capsule, thus defining a closed headspacein between said top wall and the lower surface of the machine's needleplate, said headspace being of a sufficient height to accommodate theinjection needle without piercing the capsule top wall, when saidcapsule is adapted in a functional position into said food preparationmachine.

Concerning the capsule top wall, it can comprise a single opening forcreating a jet of extraction fluid into the capsule chamber when fluidis injected through the injection needle into the headspace between thecapsule and the needle plate, or alternatively, it can comprise aplurality of openings for creating a spray of extraction fluid into thecapsule chamber.

In a second aspect, the present invention concerns a system forpreparing a food product, said system comprising:

(i) A food preparation machine, adapted to accommodate a capsulecontaining at least one ingredient, said machine comprising supply meansfor supplying an extraction fluid to the capsule, optionally heatingmeans for heating said extraction fluid prior to supply to the capsule,and injection means for injecting said fluid into said capsule, saidinjection means comprising at least one needle carried by a needleplate,

(ii) A capsule comprising rigid side walls with peripheral upper edges,a top wall extending from said upper edges, and a bottom wall, saidwalls defining a chamber that contains at least one soluble and/orextractable ingredient, said capsule being adapted for receiving anextraction fluid injected through an injection needle extendingdownwardly from a needle plate of the machine, said needle plate beingadapted to rest onto the upper edges when said capsule is adapted in afunctional position into said food preparation machine,

characterized in that said capsule further comprises sealing meansdisposed on said peripheral upper edges so that said means realize aliquid-tight seal between said capsule and said needle plate, at leastat the time said capsule is adapted in a functional position into saidfood preparation machine.

The sealing means is preferably disposed along the entire periphery ofsaid peripheral upper edges. It preferably protrudes upwardly at leastpartially above the plan containing said peripheral upper edges.

The said sealing means can comprise a rubber-like O-ring seal that ispreferably integrally co-injection moulded together with said capsuleside walls and upper edges. Alternatively, or in addition, the saidsealing means can comprise a channel running along the entire surface ofsaid peripheral upper edges, and/or it can comprise a coating made of aflexible material, said coating being disposed as a continuous bandalong the whole periphery of said edges.

The capsule top wall can be a membrane pierceable by the injectionneedle, which is disposed in alignment with said peripheral upper edges,or alternatively, it can be disposed, at least partially, along a lowerplan compared to the plan containing the peripheral upper edges of thecapsule, thus defining a closed headspace in between said top wall andthe lower surface of the machine's needle plate, said headspace being ofa sufficient height to accommodate the injection needle without piercingthe capsule top wall, when said capsule is adapted in a functionalposition into said food preparation machine.

In a first embodiment of the system according to the invention, thecapsule top wall comprises a single opening for creating a jet ofextraction fluid into the capsule chamber when fluid is injected throughthe injection needle into the headspace between the capsule and theneedle plate.

In a second embodiment of the system according to the invention, thecapsule top wall comprises a plurality of openings for creating a sprayof extraction fluid into the capsule chamber when fluid is injectedthrough the injection needle into the headspace between the capsule andthe needle plate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Additional features and advantages of the present invention aredescribed in, and will be apparent from, the description of thepresently preferred embodiments which are set out below with referenceto the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective cut view of a first embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic profile cut view similar to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective cut view of a second embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic profile cut view similar to FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective cut view of a third embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective cut view of a fourth embodiment of acapsule top wall according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is illustrated a first embodiment of a capsule 1according to the invention.

The capsule 1 comprises rigid side walls 2 with peripheral upper edges3, a top wall 4 extending from said upper edges 3, and a bottom wall 5.The said walls define a chamber 6 that contains at least one solubleand/or extractable ingredient (not illustrated in the drawing).

The capsule 1 is adapted for receiving an extraction fluid injectedthrough an injection needle 7, as illustrated in FIG. 2, extendingdownwardly from a needle plate 8 of the machine—the machine is notillustrated in the drawing—.

The bottom wall 5 is rigid and comprises a plurality of dispensingopenings for dispensing of the product prepared inside the capsule intoa container like a cup for instance (not shown in the drawing). The topwall 4 comprises one single inlet opening for the fluid provided by themachine through the needle to flow through towards the capsule chamber6.

The needle plate 8 is adapted to rest onto the upper edges 3 when saidcapsule is adapted in a functional position into the food preparationmachine. The fluid and the ingredient contained in the chamber 6 aremixed into said chamber for the preparation of a food product.

According to the invention, the capsule 1 further comprises sealingmeans disposed on the peripheral upper edges 3, such that the said meansrealize a liquid-tight seal between the capsule 1 and the needle plate8, at least at the time the capsule is adapted in a functional positioninto the food preparation machine.

As shown in FIG. 2, the sealing means protrudes upwardly at leastpartially above the plan containing said peripheral upper edges 3. Thesealing means comprises a rubber-like O-ring seal 9, which is integrallyco-injection molded together with the capsule side walls 2 and upperedges 3. The O-ring seal 9 runs along the entire periphery of the upperedges 3, at the upper surface of said edges 3.

The top wall 4 is disposed, at least partially, along a lower plancompared to the plan containing the peripheral upper edges 3 of thecapsule, thus defining a closed headspace 10 in between said top wall 4and the lower surface of the machine's needle plate 8. The saidheadspace is of a sufficient height to accommodate the injectionneedle—as illustrated in FIG. 2—without piercing the capsule top wall,when said capsule is adapted in a functional position into said foodpreparation machine.

The capsule illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is packed during storage anduntil its use by a consumer, into a secondary packaging such as aflow-wrap film made of light, moisture, and gas barrier material. Thisguarantees the freshness of the ingredient contained therein, since thecapsule's top and bottom walls are open.

The top wall is preferably made of the same material as the rest of thecapsule body. It is manufactured as an independent element which is thenassembled onto the inner surface of the capsule's side walls, by heat orultrasonic sealing, or any other suitable assembling process. Thecapsule body is made as a single element by injection-molding of athermoplastic material such as for example polyethylene (PE),polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), or a combination thereof. Thecapsule side and bottom walls can also be manufactured by thermoforminga sheet of thermoplastic material.

In FIGS. 3 and 4 is shown an alternative embodiment of the inventiondescribed above in reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. In this alternativeembodiment the top wall 4 of the capsule is disposed in a lower plancompared to the plan containing the peripheral upper edges 3 of thecapsule.

As shown in FIG. 4, this construction defines a headspace 10 in betweensaid top wall and the lower surface of the machine's needle plate 8,said headspace 10 being of a sufficient height to accommodate theinjection needle 7 without piercing the capsule top wall, when saidcapsule is adapted in a functional position into said food preparationmachine.

The top wall 4 comprises a plurality of openings 11 for creating a sprayof extraction fluid into the capsule chamber when fluid is injectedthrough the injection needle into the headspace 10 between the capsule 1and the needle plate 8.

As described for the first embodiment hereinabove, the capsule 1comprises sealing means disposed on the peripheral upper edges 3, suchthat the said means realize a liquid-tight seal between the capsule 1and the needle plate 8, when the capsule is adapted in a functionalposition into the food preparation machine.

As shown in FIG. 4, the sealing means protrudes upwardly at leastpartially above the plan containing said peripheral upper edges 3. Thesealing means comprises a rubber-like O-ring seal 9, which is integrallyco-injection molded together with the capsule side walls 2 and upperedges 3. The O-ring seal 9 runs along the entire periphery of the upperedges 3, at the upper surface of said edges 3.

FIG. 5 illustrates yet another embodiment of the invention, wherein thecapsule structure is very close to the preceding embodiment described inreference to FIGS. 3 and 4. The difference here is that the capsule topwall 4 is disposed onto the upper edges 3 of the capsule, and sealedthereonto.

Said top wall 4 comprises a circumferential groove 12 with a groovebottom side which comprises multiple openings 11 for creating a spray ofextraction fluid into the capsule chamber when fluid is injected throughthe injection needle into the headspace 10 between the capsule 1 and theneedle plate 8.

The depth of the groove 12 is sufficient to accommodate the needle ofthe machine without piercing through the said top wall. The fact thatthe groove 12 is circumferential is particularly beneficial as it doesnot require the user to orientate the capsule specifically toaccommodate the needle: whatever the rotational position of the capsulerelative to the needle, the said needle can be accommodated, whileensuring a proper leaktight arrangement between the capsule and themachine, when the said capsule is in functional position within saidmachine.

FIG. 6 shows a variant of the top wall 4 of a capsule as described abovewith reference to FIG. 5. In this case, the circumferential groove 12does not comprise a plurality of inlet openings for the injection fluidto be introduced inside the capsule chamber, but as can be seen in thefigure, the groove 12 of capsule top wall 4 comprises one single inletopening 11, to create a single jet of fluid inside the capsule chamber.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to thepresently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention andwithout diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intendedthat such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

1. A capsule for use with a food preparation machine, the capsulecomprising rigid side walls with peripheral upper edges, a top wallextending from the upper edges, and a bottom wall, the walls defining achamber that contains at least one soluble and/or extractableingredient, the capsule being adapted for receiving an extraction fluidinjected through an injection needle extending downwardly from a needleplate of the machine, the needle plate being adapted to rest onto theupper edges when the capsule is adapted in a functional position intothe food preparation machine, the fluid and the ingredient being mixedinto the chamber for the preparation of a food product, the capsulecomprising a sealing member located at least onto the peripheral upperedges so that the sealing member creates a liquid-tight seal between thecapsule and the needle plate, at least at the time the capsule isadapted in a functional position into the food preparation machine.
 2. Acapsule according to claim 1, wherein the sealing member is locatedalong the entire periphery of the peripheral upper edges.
 3. A capsuleaccording to claim 1, wherein the sealing member protrudes upwardly atleast partially above the plan containing the peripheral upper edges. 4.A capsule according to claim 1, wherein the sealing member comprises arubber-like O-ring seal.
 5. A capsule according to claim 4, wherein saidO-ring seal is integrally co-injection molded together with the capsuleside walls and upper edges.
 6. A capsule according to claim 1, whereinthe sealing member comprises a channel running along the entire surfaceof the peripheral upper edges.
 7. A capsule according to claim 1,wherein the sealing member comprises a coating made of a flexiblematerial, the coating being disposed as a continuous band along thewhole periphery of the edges.
 8. A capsule according to claim 1, whereinthe top wall is a membrane pierceable by the injection needle, which islocated in alignment with the peripheral upper edges.
 9. A capsuleaccording to claim 1, wherein the top wall is located, at leastpartially, along a lower plan compared to the plan containing theperipheral upper edges of the capsule, thus defining a closed headspacein between the top wall and the lower surface of the machine's needleplate, the headspace being of a sufficient height to accommodate theinjection needle without piercing the capsule top wall, when the capsuleis adapted in a functional position into the food preparation machine.10. A capsule according to claim 9, wherein the top wall comprises asingle opening for creating a jet of extraction fluid into the capsulechamber when fluid is injected through the injection needle into theheadspace between the capsule and the needle plate.
 11. A capsuleaccording to claim 9, wherein the top wall comprises a plurality ofopenings for creating a spray of extraction fluid into the capsulechamber when fluid is injected through the injection needle into theheadspace between the capsule and the needle plate.
 12. A system forpreparing a food product, the system comprising: a food preparationmachine, adapted to accommodate a capsule containing at least oneingredient, the machine comprising a supply of extraction fluid, and aninjector for injecting the fluid into the capsule, the injectorcomprising at least one needle carried by a needle plate; a capsulecomprising rigid side walls with peripheral upper edges, a top wallextending from the upper edges, and a bottom wall, the walls defining achamber that contains at least one soluble and/or extractableingredient, the capsule being adapted for receiving an extraction fluidinjected through an injection needle extending downwardly from a needleplate of the machine, the needle plate being adapted to rest onto theupper edges when the capsule is adapted in a functional position intosaid food preparation machine; and the capsule comprises a sealingmember located on the peripheral upper edges so that the sealing membercreates a liquid-tight seal between the capsule and the needle plate, atleast at the time the capsule is adapted in a functional position intothe food preparation machine.
 13. A system according to claim 12,wherein the sealing member is located along the entire periphery of theperipheral upper edges.
 14. A system according to claim 12, wherein thesealing member protrudes upwardly at least partially above the plancontaining the peripheral upper edges.
 15. A system according to claim12, wherein the sealing member comprises a rubber-like O-ring seal. 16.A system according to claim 15, wherein the O-ring seal is integrallyco-injection molded together with the capsule side walls and upperedges.
 17. A system according to claim 12, wherein the sealing membercomprises a channel running along the entire surface of the peripheralupper edges.
 18. A system according to claim 12, wherein the sealingmember comprises a coating made of a flexible material, the coatingbeing disposed as a continuous band along the whole periphery of theedges.